Government Disburses JAD5.22 Billions To Hurricane Melisa Victims

Press Release From The Ministry of Labour And Social Security, March 11, 2026

Minister Pearnel Charles

The Government of Jamaica has disbursed more than J$5.22 billion to households affected by Hurricane Melissa under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme, the Minister of Labour and Social Security announced today.

Speaking at a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing this morning, Minister of Labour and Social Security Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. said the programme continues to provide critical financial support to Jamaicans whose homes were damaged during the passage of the hurricane.

“The ROOFS Programme is the Government’s primary mechanism for delivering shelter recovery support to Jamaicans whose homes were damaged as a result of Hurricane Melissa,” Minister Charles Jr said.

To date, several beneficiaries have received payments, with funds being distributed through multiple channels including direct bank deposits, prepaid debit cards and QR code payments. The Ministry has completed four payment batches since the programme began issuing grants on January 30, 2026.

More than 100,000 household assessments were conducted across the island using the Jamaica Household Damage, Impact and Needs Assessment (JHDINA) digital system. The assessment phase officially closed on February 28, 2026.

The data-driven process categorised damage into three levels:

•                  Severe Damage: J$500,000 grant

•                  Major Damage: J$200,000 grant

•                  Minor Damage: J$75,000 grant

Minister Charles emphasised that rigorous verification procedures are in place to ensure the programme remains fair and accountable.

“The integrity of this process is paramount. Every dollar of this programme must reach a family that genuinely lost their home or had it damaged. Our verification systems exist to protect taxpayers and beneficiaries alike,” he said.

Verification measures include geotagged assessments, TRN validation, GPS location checks, and cross-referencing by the National Spatial Unit.

Several western parishes continue to account for a large share of verified cases due to the severity of hurricane damage. Current figures show:

•                  Westmoreland: Major – 3,806 | Severe – 2,488

•                  St Elizabeth: Major – 2,203 | Severe – 952

•                  St James: Major – 1,677 | Severe – 1,129

•                  Trelawny: Major – 1,011 | Severe – 318

•                  Hanover: Major – 948 | Severe – 442

The Ministry said payments will continue to be issued in verified batches as additional cases become payment-ready. Beneficiaries whose homes were assessed as severe or major damage receive a text message containing a secure link and personalised QR code to redeem building supplies at approved vendors. They may also collect up to J$75,000 in cash if desired.

Persons with Minor damage are contacted by telephone and receive the J$75,000 grant through direct deposit or prepaid bank cards. Recipients must present valid government-issued identification, such as a passport, voter’s ID card, or driver’s licence, when accessing benefits.

Minister Charles further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting all families affected by Hurricane Melissa. “The ROOFS Programme represents one of the most significant shelter recovery initiatives ever undertaken in Jamaica. We remain firmly committed to ensuring that every Jamaican family affected by the hurricane receives the support they need to rebuild their homes and restore stability to their lives,” he said.

The Minister also continues to encourage beneficiaries to rebuild using proper building standards and hurricane-resistant construction measures, including the installation of hurricane straps, to strengthen resilience against future storms.

From left to right: The Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security (5th left), surrounded by beneficiaries of the ROOFS Programme, as they hold a symbolic $200,000 cheque for major damage under the Programme following the live demonstration during the Post-Cabinet Press Briefing. Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (1st right); Hon. Donovan Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (1st left) Mrs. Dione Jennings, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Security (2nd left) share in the moment.